Defensin beta 118 (DEFB118)

Defensin beta 118 (DEFB118) is a member of the beta-defensin family of small, cationic host defense peptides with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It is encoded on human chromosome 20 and its expression is regulated by androgen[7]. DEFB118 exhibits potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including E. coli, S. typhimurium, S. aureus, and B. subtilis, with low minimum inhibitory concentrations[1][4][7]. It disrupts bacterial membranes and can bind lipopolysaccharide (LPS), contributing to its immunomodulatory effects[7]. DEFB118 displays anti-inflammatory properties by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α, and it can inhibit bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells and reduce apoptosis in response to infection[1][4][7]. It is highly expressed in the epididymis and may help protect sperm from microbial attack, contributing to innate mucosal immunity[7]. There are ongoing investigations into its therapeutic use as an alternative to conventional antibiotics and as an immunomodulator in infections and inflammatory diseases. No interacting therapeutic drugs are currently documented; its primary application is as a recombinant protein or therapeutic peptide candidate[3][4][7].

Other names

Defensin beta 118DEFB118C20orf63DEFB18ESC42DEFB-18ESP13.6dJ1018D12.3Beta-defensin 18Epididymal secretory protein 13.6defensin, beta 18epididymis secretory sperm binding proteinepididymus specific clone 42

Disruption of bacterial membranes; Binding to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS); Inhibition of bacterial adhesion to host cells; Downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β, TNF-α)